JD Vance, once critical of Donald Trump, has become one of his strongest allies.
During Trump’s speech to Congress, Vance was seen grinning and telling House Speaker Mike Johnson that the president’s adversaries would face a “full reckoning.” A lip-reading expert, Jeremy Freeman, reported Vance saying, “Yes it is, a full reckoning, and long overdue,” before commenting on the speech itself.
Vance’s remarks raised questions about whom he was threatening. His comments followed a tense meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky and criticism over calling Britain a “random country.” Vance, a US Senator since 2022, has defended Trump, blaming his critics for fueling violence against him.
Trump’s speech sparked applause from his supporters but angered Democrats, with some voicing concerns over his tax policies and governance.